Malawi, UN food agencies commemorates World Food Day

The Malawi government will commemorate the World Food Day with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and World Food Programme (WFP) at Lisasadzi Residential Training Centre in Kasungu district on Friday, October 18, 2013.

According to FAO Director General, Jose Graziano da Silva, this year’s theme-“Sustainable Food System for Food Security and Nutrition”- is emphasizing the importance of lasting food systems in producing nutritious diets for all people today, while also protecting the capacity of future generations to feed themselves.

“This year’s theme has been reached considering the simple fact that healthy people depend on healthy food systems,” said Graziano da Silva.

He also said the theme reminds all actors that they must continue to assist and empower communities in practical ways to build resilience for sustainable food and nutrition security, as well as continue implementing corresponding policies for the long term.

People waiting to buy maize at Admarc depot

To tackle Malnutrition, he said, FAO believes it requires integrated action and complementary interventions in agriculture and the food system, as well as in natural resource management, public health, education and broader policy domains.

“Because the necessary actions to make a significant impact in preventing malnutrition typically involve several government institutions, high level political support is needed to motivate a coordinated effort,” said Graziano da Silva.

However, WFP Executive Director, Ertharin Cousin said while economic growth and increased food production raise incomes and reduce hunger, the benefits do not reach everyone.

Equitable access to the nutritious foods, through the right combination of policies and programmes including social protection measures, such as food, cash and voucher transfers through schools, health systems and public work schemes is critical, according to WFP Executive Director.

“Undernourished girls and boys face barriers in health, in school performance and later, in the work place, which limit their human potential and their capacity to contribute to the societies in which they live.

“Prioritizing nutrition today is an investment in our collective global future. The investment must involve food, agriculture, health and education systems,” said Cousin.